Tackling post-apartheid South Africa's development planning challenges: the triple helix as a tool for skills development and institutional transformation

Abstract:

Post-apartheid South Africa is faced with major challenges ranging from unemployment, vast
income inequalities as well as the slow-pace of service delivery. Given these challenges faced by
the government in realizing its development mandate, this research strives to identify the role of
government, universities and the private sector in promoting sustainable growth.
In this knowledge-based society, it is imperative for universities to produce graduates that can have
a sound and critical understanding of developmental issues. Using the triple helix paradigm as well
as collaborative planning theory as a conceptual framework, this research report strives to
emphasise the significance of networking particularly between the government, universities as well
as the business community.
As the study unfolds, one would realize the significance of governance and/or collaboration in
development planning. In this era of globalization and its emphasis on innovation, universities need
to play a significant role in producing knowledge and creative ideas critical for fostering the nation’s
developmental agenda. It is the aim of this research therefore to try and contribute to the
progressive thinking or rationality that encourages effectual and meaningful collaboration between
all developmental actors